Summit's Cafe Theatre hosts 'Summer Shorts' July 18-27

Cafe Theatre artistic director David Hoffman brings coffee and comedy to Summit's new Brownstone Theatre with "Summer Shorts" opening July 18. (Photo by Best Friends Photography)

It is a warm summer’s evening and you are walking around looking for something to do. Then you notice a colorful theatre poster announcing Summer Shorts — a collection of eight short comedies performed in a café. You might think that you are in New York City’s village, but no, this is Summit and you are at Café Theatre.

Annette Dwyer, creator of MONDO explains, “I was determined to bring an urban-styled black box theatre to downtown Summit, fostering small production drama for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.” Then, she remembered meeting David Hoffman at a Summit Playhouse benefit.

Hoffman first produced short play festivals with 12 Miles West Theatre in Montclair. Dressing the theatre as a café, he promised audiences evenings of great coffee, cake, and comedy. Later forming his own company Café Theatre, Hoffman continued to produce short play festivals at George Street Playhouse and Tierney’s Tavern. But, it had always been his dream to bring theatre to his hometown of Summit.

“A few of weeks ago, I was walking around Summit on a Thursday evening”, Hoffman recalls. “The sidewalks were full of people enjoying the downtown. It was then that I realized how much Summit could use some theatre in the summer. The next afternoon, I walked into MONDO and met with Annette and felt welcomed immediately.”

Dwyer adds, “Why go to New York for quality theatre when you can walk down the street? With Hoffman at the helm of Café Theatre, I am confident that my vision of an off-Broadway night of theatre can be realized right here in Summit.”

Café Theatre’s Summer Shorts, a collection of eight short comedies begins a two week run at The Brownstone Theatre in MONDO, 426 Springfield Ave. Summit. Show dates are July 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27. Ticket price is $15. Show time is 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be sold separately in the space by Marigolds Café. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the theatre box office or reserved by phone at 908-273-0363.